Just A Reminder...

Because sometimes I really need one.




You are His beloved. 

My Jesus by Todd Agnew

A song I recently heard (yes, I do need to turn on the radio more) that gripped me. There is one word in the song that originally caught me off guard and could be offensive.



My Jesus. Precious Jesus.

There are so many days I reflect the polar opposite of who You are.

TWO New Family Members This Year?

Our little family just keeps on growing and in unexpected ways.  No, we didn't find out we're suddenly expecting twins.  Would it offend you if I added a sigh of relief after that one?

Save Children

We've sponsored a new child through Compassion International.  A six year old boy from Guatemala.  And we are so happy to have him as part of us now!
 
I say it happened unexpectedly because we had other intentions for the monthly sponsorship money.  Our own intentions, like lessen the strain on our monthly income since Richie's salary has been reduced like so many others during the current economic situation.  So nothing extravagant, but God still had other plans.

I pulled into the parking lot to cancel life insurance policies we had on the boys and as I opened my car door, God began to speak.  He basically told me that the monthly payment we were making on the life insurance should be used to bring LIFE to another child right now.  

And now we have a new child in the family.  Caleb helped choose which child should receive our sponsorship. Honestly, I was leaning in a different direction, but I want our kids to have a connection with our Compassion child(ren), so I left it mostly up to him.  It has been amazing how this child that we will likely never meet has already worked his way into our hearts! 

Of course, the minute I see any of the pictures of the many children waiting to be sponsored automatically grabs my heart.  I've been crying over these children and those like them since I was a child and saw my first Sally Struthers commercial.  (Do you remember those?  I would seriously bawl.)  My heart breaks for the littlest of these.  I remember when I've traveled overseas and the conditions the "less thans" of this world live.  The dirt, the stench, the poverty.  The loss of hope.  The need for Love. 

So, I find it a privilege that God would lead us to this little one and use us in his life.  He may not be in my home or within arm's reach, but my prayers and God are never far from him.

For God So Loved The World

I was struck once again this week by the unfathomable love of God for His creation called mankind.

We are studying ancient history this year in our homeschool and have been using the Bible as one of our primary history books.  I really have no words to adequately describe how awesome this has been!

One of the topics we covered this week was the story of Cain and Abel. As we read and discussed this passage (Genesis 4:1-24), there were a few things I had never really paid attention to before.  BUT there was one thing specifically that stood out from the rest for me and that was God's love for Cain.

The condition of Cain's heart was just plain yucky.  He did not have the right attitude when bringing an offering to God.  He is unrepentant and angry when God is not pleased with his offering and then decides to exact revenge for this upon his own brother, Abel, by committing the first murder in our world's history.  And it doesn't stop there.  He does not confess to his sin when God gives him the opportunity and he does not repent for taking his brother's life.

As God delivers Cain's punishment, Cain whines and is fearful that someone will kill him because he is now a "fugitive and vagabond on the earth."  And this is where the love of God completely blows my natural mind.  God marks him so that none will kill him.  

The mark wasn't to let others know of his sin.  God placed the mark there to protect Cain.

He loved Cain, an unrepentant sinner, so much that he still offered protection for him.  What is this uncomparable love?   

This Love is what saved me.  This Love is what changed my life.  Bringing a broken woman peace and joy.

This Love, this is what I hope to reflect.  What I hope to carry and deliver.  The legacy I want to leave behind.     

God Doesn't Serve Leftovers

Open your mouth and taste,

open your eyes and see how good God is.

Blessed are you who run to him.

Worship God if you want the best;

worship opens doors to all his goodness.

                    Psalm 43:8-9 The Message

My thoughts are on how each time I'm worshipping my Heavenly Father, it's different.  The experience is never quite the same.  Always an original recipe.

Today I tasted His sweetness.  The sweetness that leaves me satisified yet longing for another heaping spoonful.  Call me a glutton, I want more.

I saw His beauty.  The beauty that brings tears to my eyes.  The beauty that speaks of His glory.  His majesty.  His holiness. 

I am so thankful that I am one of His.  That all five of my senses can experience His goodness.  And that He is always generous in serving His portions.

 

Somebody

Once in a while someone asks me if I miss the job I left to stay at home with my kids.  And the answer for the most part is an honest no.  I would not give up the opportunity to be with my precious babies to pursue what was a successful career.  I enjoyed it thoroughly, but I've only got this one season in life with my children and this is what God has called me to do in it.

I mean sure, there are times when I get to the end of a day and feel like I have nothing to show for the work I did.  It would be nice to finish something and have it stay that way.  Like a clean room.  Or even a clean child. *wry grin*  But even then I try not to get frustrated, because I know one day I will miss having sticky fingers grab my face to give me wet kisses.

So it's very rare that I feel a pang for that woman who used to wear business suits every day.  My pajamas are way more comfy anyway.

I've been cleaning out our "schoolroom" that has really served as a dump storage space more than anything else so that we can actually do things with less risk of little ones interfering with school work.  More square footage is always a plus.  It has been a lot of work, but has been so incredibly freeing -which is a great representation of what God has been doing spiritually for me also.  As my home is being physically restored, so is my soul. 
 
One day as I was cleaning, I came across some old things from my working life.  Certificates and plaques, old training materials, resumes, and I even dug out some old notebooks that had been tucked away in a deep pocket in a bag I used to carry.  

And that's when I began trying to reconcile the working woman that was with this stay at home mommy.    Who was that girl? 

I found myself wanting to find someone and tell them that I used to be somebody.  Somebody who managed six figure budgets.  Somebody who ran and coordinated a large Dept. of Justice initiative.  Somebody who had the trust of local, state, and federal representatives and other prominent figures in the community.  Somebody who could hold a thought and pee for longer than a minute.

Please don't get me wrong.  I think being a stay at home mom, homemaker (with or without children), or whatever other title you prefer is one of the noblest of professions.  I also happen to think it is one of the most difficult -on many different levels.  And I am having a hard time even confessing these thoughts I was having.

As I began to lose perspective and struggle with these thoughts, God in His loving kindness intervened.  He took me by the shoulders, looked me in the eyes, and said, "You are somebody.  I say so."  I could feel his breath blowing on me, freeing me and giving me life.  Reaching deeper than I am probably even aware at this time.

Reestablishing my identity.  Finding comfort in who I am.  And also in Who I am, for I am in Him.  Things I've known moving from my head into my heart. 

Somebody, it is who I am.  And it's who you are too.
 

He said so.

I'll Protect You

My mom forwarded the following devotional to me a couple of days ago and it touched something deep in my heart.  I desire to be this type of parent.  I want my children to know that I am their champion.  I am on their side.

Just like our Daddy God is always with us and for us.  He is our banner. 

I'll Protect You - taken from Moments With You by Dennis and Barbara Rainey 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. JOSHUA 1:9

One day during Rebecca's first year of junior high, she came home from school with an unusually unhappy look on her face. Some boy had been making ugly remarks about her figure (or more precisely, her lack of one).

"What's this guy's name?" I inquired. She told me what it was. "What's his phone number?" I asked. "Sounds like we need to have a little man-to-man chat."

When the boy's father answered the phone, I told him I needed to talk to his son. I said I wasn't going to be mean, but he had been making derogatory comments about my daughter and I wanted to tell him that such comments are inappropriate.

"Okay, here he is." (I could just imagine the look on this young man's face as the phone receiver came his direction.) "Hullo?" he said in that teenage monotone. "Hello, I'm Mr. Rainey. Rebecca's dad. From school. She came home today telling me about some things you said about her body, and I just wanted you to know I don't appreciate it. This is not the way to treat a young lady, and I'd like you to respect her dignity enough to stop teasing her about the way she looks. You understand?"

That was it. Didn't take long. I remember it took some courage to make the call, but I just remember Rebecca standing there beaming. And though I'd like to think it made a statement to the young man on the other end of the line, I know for a fact it made a statement to my daughter.

She saw the way a man is supposed to protect a woman, the way a dad is supposed to protect his little girl. How will they know if they don't see us doing it?

And while this portrays a father and daughter, God still used it to speak to my heart about my relationship as a mother to my sons and daughter. Ways as a mother that I can protect them and bring life and light when life has bruised them.

Lord, thank You for the children You have brought into my life.  Continue to change me to be the parent you desire for me to be.  Help me be aware of the situations in their lives where they need encouragement and someone to speak Truth over them.  I ask for an increase in wisdom to meet each of their unique needs.  Thank You for being our Jehovah Nissi.

My Pace In This World

Today I was thinking about how crazy the past few months have felt.  Baseball season started (read: my husband is mostly g-o-n-e) and it has felt like a tornado siren should be sounding off any minute.  I'm really having trouble finding a groove that works for me.  Ironically there are only a few more weeks to the season and then it will be time to readjust again. 

But this season, there have been a few times where I stood in the middle of the chaos house and felt so out of control.  Like everything is happening around me yet I have no part in it.  I'm trying catch up, but the train is quickly leaving me behind.

I find myself grasping (or maybe gasping would be more appropriate) to find the right pace for this time in my life.  Like the long distance runner to whom it's critical to find the right pace in order to finish the race.  (Did I just use whom correctly?  It felt right.  Sorry you grammatical junkies out there, I don't know why you put up with me!)
 
Maybe I'm not allowing God to set my pace.  Allowing Him to reveal Himself to me and what He thinks of me in all of my life's circumstances.  Not allowing Him to be God.  Ouch.

I know I've been running a bad race.  Putting on a horrible show.  Much like when I was on the middle school track team, but that's another story.  A pathetic and sad story that I hope to never be inspired to share here. 

The real story is that I want to run the race of life worthy of what God has done for me. 

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.  Acts 20:24 NIV

Running at the pace He has set for me. Not pulling ahead of Him. Not falling behind Him. Running with Him, at the speed where I can enjoy His companionship.  Where fulfillment, peace, and joy can be found.

Maybe one of these days I'll get this living for Christ thing right. *Can you hear me laughing?* Until then, I'm just glad He's always ready to refill my cup and quick to come hold me up in this race. 

Lost

Item:  abandoned worshipper of God

Description:  passionate, bold;  may be freely dancing or singing, wielding a banner, or demonstrating some other form of physical adoration of the King

Last Seen:  on the straight and narrow path where betrayal, confusion, anger, and grief intersect

Other Information:  mistakenly exchanged for fear of man and rejection

If seen, please contact:  DES-PER-ATE1

Which Bothers You More?

Please note: The following post contains one word of profanity. If that will cause you any discomfort, please do not read any further. Then again, maybe you should consider reading on...




I'm not sure that I've shared about my desire to serve the poor. The orphans. The sick. The world's cast-offs. It's something that has been brewing inside of me since I was a teenager. Every time I hear of someone who gave up everything to move to some foreign country or the mountains of Appalachia, etc. to live in extreme hardships in order to love and serve the people there and I feel almost desperate to be able to do the same thing.

Yet, here I am tucked in my house for the night and I'm not quite sure that I did much of anything for the Kingdom today. Some days that feels like it's never going to change.

It becomes so easy to get caught up in things that really have no eternal significance. To become offended by things that amount to nothing compared to the injustices of this world. Desensitized to the suffering and hurt around me.

I saw the following quote the other day and, well, I'll just let it speak for iteself:

“I have three things I’d like to say today. First, while you were sleeping last night, 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to malnutrition. Second, most of you don’t give a shit. What’s worse is that you’re more upset with the fact that I said shit than the fact that 30,000 kids died last night.” - Tony Campolo

There are times I am so guilty. Ignoring that which truly matters by getting my feathers ruffled at something as simple as a word that makes me uncomfortable. A word that Christians aren't supposed to say, according to religion.

We have totally missed it when we become more comfortable with hearing about a hurting and lost world than we are with one bad word.

So, which bothers you more?

Lord, expose the areas in my life where I'm distracted and made useless by focusing on things completely irrelevant to You. Break my heart with the things that break Yours. Give me a heart that loves with Your Love.

But For The Grace Of God

Seriously.

Were it not for the grace of God in my life, I would be a complete mess today.

I can never forget that. The beauty He turned from ashes.

And on top of that, I was blessed to be educated, sheltered, and have my family to care for me.

Things I don't take lightly when there are so many out there who cannot say the same.

Lord, help me to remember those who don't have You. Help me to remember that there is something bigger than just me. Help me to be a conduit of Your love. Delivering hope to the desperate. Bringing joy in the midst of pain. And help me, Father, to remember my brothers and sisters who do not have the freedom and the rights that I do. The ones who sacrifice all that they have for You. Your servants and messengers of Light.

Where I Done Been

Or maybe I should just ask, where haven't I been? It feels like I have been going non-stop these past weeks. For someone who has started becoming somewhat of a homebody, not a good feeling.

Or maybe it's not that I'm really becoming a homebody, maybe it's just easier to keep my three young'uns at home. Contained. *wink*

Abigail turned 9 months and is doing so well. She's fighting a cold right now, but continues to be a doll. She has truly spoiled me. I love this little daughter of mine so much. She has such a great personality.

Samuel has been sick the past few days. These past few, very long days. The little guy has been miserable. I've felt so bad for him. Now we're treating a double ear infection from the junk he had. We've also been having some speech evaluations done. He has cooperated really well and everyone just loves him. He is such a sweet little man.

Caleb has been doing really well with his schoolwork and I keep seeing glimpses of maturity that make me so proud. We're working on an allowance system right now and I think I've just about got it ready. Just a few charts to make. Not sure how it came up, but he wants to design a wheelchair swing that we could put down at the park where we live. Touching this mama's heart, I tell ya! *grin*

Richie...wait, Richie who? Ha, ha, ho, ho, hee, hee, ha, hee, ho. Ah, if I didn't laugh about it, I'm not sure what I'd do. Baseball season is in full swing and my man is MIA. The kids are doing pretty well adjusting this year (so far), I think I'm the one with the biggest problem. I'm tired and lonely. Ha, hee, hee, ha, ho, ho...

And as for me, I've been reacquainting myself with the costly world of dentistry. I've got to get some work done and my pockets are becoming as jittery as I am about getting it completed. I mean, don't get me wrong, there would be a cost for me to stick my hands in a bunch of people's mouths all day long, but ouch!

And as it turns out, when God tells you that it will be a year of beginnings, there are also endings. I know, what are the odds. *wry grin* It's kind of like when you are moving physical locations and you start cleaning out your old place...did you know that was behind the fridge?!

Richie and I went canoeing with a group several years ago. They ended up running out of canoes, so we volunteered to go in the inner tubes they offered. I moved at a snail's pace compared to those canoes, but Richie, poor guy was a sloth. They tied an extra inner tube to his in case one of ours popped and I remember watching him get further and further behind. The Lord used that to minister to me about the baggage and junk we carry in our lives and how it effects our pursuit of the Lord.

I was unprepared for the circumstances in which (more of) my junk is being revealed, but it is my heart's cry to come before God with a pure heart. With that in mind, I say, "Okay, Lord. It may not be pretty, it may not feel good, but if it makes me look more like you, then let's do this thang." I hold tightly onto His promise of beginnings and His hand. Even when I want to scream about things being unfair and too painful. When I want to just be mad. When I want to throw the world's biggest pity party. Even when, I just want to give up.

His promises and His hand are still there. 'Cause He's faithful like that.

Man, I love God.

And that, my friends, is a taste of where I done been lately.

Testing The Waters

The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it. -Michelangelo

I was visiting a friend's blog last week, when I happened to see the above quote in a little sidebar gadget. It made me chuckle as I had just posted some new year goals I had made for myself and I wondered if I should have aimed higher. You know, perhaps shoot for 15 pounds of weight loss instead of 10? But I decided to practice making boundaries and left it at 10...

But the more I chewed on it, the more I thought about my spiritual walk. And if I'm brutally honest with myself, I know that I've been aiming low.

Coming through a season of deep pain and hurt, I found myself in a place of distrust, anger, and fear. And inadvertently, a portion of it became directed at The Kingdom.

I stopped seeking and reaching out for His supernatural power. I wanted very little to do with it. I knew that I loved God and that He loved me, but I just could not . It wasn't about my relationship with Him, it was with the supernatural. I just wasn't sure how deep I could go in the Water anymore. Keeping what I deemed to be a safe distance.

I became skittish. Much like a swimmer who is taken out into deep waters by someone trusted and then is abandoned. That's how it felt. Suddenly, I was all alone. Everything I thought I knew, I began to question. Healings I watched take place with my own eyes. Questioned. People being set free. Questioned. Prophetic words. Questioned.

I really don't know how to adequately describe it. God in it all has been so patient. So gentle. Loving and tender. Helping me come through it. At a much slower pace than I'd like to admit, but through it nonetheless. And that's the important thing.

Because I don't want to have any limitations in my life when it comes to God. I expect the extraordinary to happen. I long to be in that deep place of communion with my Father. Sitting in His lap as He shows me His glorious Kingdom. Because once you've tasted it, you're ruined. Nothing else can satisfy.

So, I find myself ready to step back into the water. A bit hesitant, a little nervous, but knowing fully well that my Daddy God has called me there. It's time to reposition myself and aim high again. And I have to admit, the anticipation and the excitement bring a smile to my face.

A Whisper and A Seed

It's amazing how one whisper from the Lord can completely change my frame of mind. Not shocking from the One who formed the earth by words alone, I know. But I am amazed nonetheless.

Amazed that a seven word sentence from the Father whispered to my heart immediately awakens my spirit and casts off plaguing thoughts. Financial fretting. Loneliness. A bit of weariness. A spoonful of envy.

Sounds like I've been loading my plate from the enemy's buffet instead of dining at the Father's banquet table, huh? Let's just say I've been fighting a bit of discouragement and leave it at that.

But then, God speaks. Don't you just love the "But thens"? Also known as the "And yets." So then, God speaks:

Jo Ann, this is a year of beginnings.

And though I do not know what that really entails, hope and anticipation are planted.

Kicking Passivity to the Curb

pas·sive/ pas·siv·i·ty - acted upon by an external agency; receptive to outside impressions or influences; lacking in energy or will; tending not to take an active or dominant part; exhibiting no gain or control; receiving or enduring without resistance; existing or occurring without being active, open, or direct

I have an issue with passivity. I have an issue with admitting that. What can I say? The truth hurts and when I admit that, it reveals a side of me that I want to pretend doesn't exist. I'm a go-getter, not a slacker. I'm a warrior, not a wimp.

In more ways than one, I can so relate to Paul in Romans 7:15 when he says: For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. Ugh. I certainly have days that I just don't understand. The battle that goes on within is so intense. As deep calls unto deep, passivity squeezes in with ferocity.

So, I am hoping to unleash myself from passivity this year. How's that for not having a resolution for the year?! Man, I'm not even good at being unmotivated. *grin* I'm not sure what it will look like, but it must be done. I am sure that a lot of it will not feel so good to my flesh. Which is always a good thing.

When I looked up the definition for passivity, I was a little surprised by it. I guess just because it hit the spiritual nail on the head so much. Lacking in energy or will, check. Tending to not take a dominant part, check. Receiving or enduring without resistance, check.

*Sigh*

It's beyond time to shed this thing.

5 Signs I'm Being Freed From Religion

1. I missed church twice in the past month and a half and didn't feel guilty.

2. I can use the words magical and luck without feeling like I've committed a sin. Okay, maybe a small twinge, but watch this...Christmas is a magical time of year. See?! *big grin*

3. I don't think my church is THE church. In other words, if you are part of a church, I will not try to convince you that you should be at my church.

4. People (read: relationships) will always come before attending "church-y" activities.

5. I wrote the title of this post without flinching about being misunderstood.

Thank you, Lord, for freedom!

Still Learning To Swim In The Living Water

First Lesson by Philip Booth

Lie back daughter, let your head

be tipped back in the cup of my hand.

Gently, and I will hold you. Spread

your arms wide, lie out on the stream

and look high at the gulls. A dead-

man's float is face down. You will dive

and swim soon enough where this tidewater

ebbs to the sea. Daughter, believe

me, when you tire on the long thrash

to your island, lie up, and survive.

As you float now, where I held you

and let go, remember when fear

cramps your heart what I told you:

lie gently and wide to the light-year

stars, lie back, and the sea will hold you.

The Inner S.L.U.G.

Slugs have never been dear to my heart. I so enjoyed pouring salt on them as a kid. Yet within me, I find that I am a S.L.U.G at heart.

A selfish, lazy, ugly girl. Harsh words. Impatience. Anger. To name a few.

And only salt from Heaven can kill this thing.

Luke 6:44-45 says, Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

I'm not yielding the fruit I desire to see in my life, certainly not the quantity I'd like to see. I desire to be in a place where all my actions and words bring glory to God, regardless of circumstance. I desire to be a virtuous woman for Him. Where the fruit of my life reflects His goodness.

I realize that this inner conquest of my soul does not happen overnight. It is a steady battle to overcome my self, to establish His nature within me. All dependent upon my relationship with Him. There are times I become discouraged at the pace I proceed along. Much too like a slug's slow crawl. But I have hope, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in [me] will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6).

Father God, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight. That I may be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Let me be quick to cast down every thought that exalts itself against You. That I may be a vessel of Your love to this world.

Ill Effects of Super-Sized Consumerism, Commercialization, Affluenza, etc.

Whatever you want to call it, I feel sick. My stomach has been churning for several days now. And it is not from all the Thanksgiving goodies I stuffed myself with over the weekend.

It's from becoming more and more disgusted with what is occuring in our nation during this Christmas season. Supposedly the most wonderful time of the year. Ah, what am I saying? It's not just Christmas. It's a mindset.

Now, you know I love America. I don't love what we currently find in the majority of America. For some reason, this Christmas has just really brought a lot of things to the surface for me. And before it seems that I am making generalizations about others, let it be known...I am looking in the mirror first.

Wow, it's ugly. It is so easy to get caught up in the wants and the have nots. So easy to become discontent with what I do have. To look at what others have and covet. Really, I don't even have to look at what others have, I can just fall into the trap at the store.

I have been doing really well with purchasing our family's Christmas gifts. We try to limit three gifts for the kids (the original decision was not based on finances, but it sure helps in that area these days...). I confess, I feel like a cheater - I have been known to wrap two shirts together, etc. I've felt guilty for not giving more, for not giving larger gifts. Thoughts that I know are just ridiculous.

I went to a couple of stores the other day with very specific products to purchase and found myself drooling and wishing I could buy all the latest, greatest for my kids. It even happened as I shopped online.

I became frustrated. disappointed. depressed. I wanted to buy! Throw in the bargains and I begin to feel consumed.

Yikes. And my heart broke all over again thinking of the man who just lost his life after being trampled in a crowd on Black Friday morning. And I am sickened. By myself. By the greed. By the complete lack of control and respect for life found today. My stomach hurts and I feel like crying. Does this not send off a message? Does this not speak to America? How could this happen? HOW?

And yet, I know how. Because I don't prefer others over myself. I do not put my fellow brothers and sisters before me. Because all too often I'm looking out for my own good and not yours. Ouch.

All these things are so far from where I want to be. Perhaps that's why God has us in the season we currently find ourselves. Learning to be satisfied with less. Learning to be better stewards of what we do have. Learning to live more simply. Learning to make it our lifestyle. Our choice. Learning to be content in a world that tells us that we lack. Learning to see the lies...

For we lack nothing in God. Then, I'm reminded about what I wanted this season to be like for my family. The traditions we are starting. The purpose. The focus. The things I really want.

Because they cannot be bought on a shelf. And the one thing I truly need, I have received. A priceless gift that I did not deserve.

So, I leave you with this video. You might consider it an addition to my alternative Christmas gift post. I first saw it here on Passionate Homemaking.

How Much Greater

There are times when I look at my children and my love swells up within me, overtaking all else. Weariness, frustration, discouragement. Man, I love these little people!

And then I remember my Heavenly Father. And how much more He loves them. Incredible. The affection and love He has for them.

Then I'm reminded that it's how He loves me. Mind blowing. I know I need a deeper revelation of His Love.

Then I see a video like this on another blog and I'm messed up for the rest of the day. Which is what I want. To be ruined by His love.

How much greater He loves us! Carrying us when we cannot carry ourselves. Giving us His strength when we have nothing to give. Surpassing any earthly father's love and devotion.



Abba Father, I am once again in awe of Your love for Your children. Thank You for loving me and never leaving or forsaking me. Thank You for Your faithfulness and steadfastness even when I do not show the same qualities. Thank You for continuing to give to me when I have not felt that I had anything to give to You. Change my heart and help me, Father, to be a reflection of Your love. To love others with Your perfect love.

Participating in GratiTuesday at Heavenly Homemakers on 11/25 because I am so grateful for His amazing, unending love.